Jamie Carragher has been speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Manchester United on Sunday.
To be more specific, the 43-year-old commented on Sadio Mané, and his dreadful run of form last season.
What’s the story?
Well, Carragher didn’t hesitate to admit he was ‘really worried’ about the £100,000-a-week man’s performances last season.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I think the form of Mané for me, or his numbers, have been standout this season. I know Mohamed Salah has been out of this world, but I was really worried for Mané at times last season, not just because of his goal output, but his general performance.”
I think we were all a little bit concerned by Mané last term, even those of us who don’t support Liverpool.
We witnessed one of Europe’s best forwards go from scoring 18 Premier League goals in 2019/20, to a miserable 11-goal campaign in 2020/21.
It was sad to see, and some thought the 75-cap Senegal international was starting to fizzle out at the top level.
However, Mané has shone this season with six goals in 11 games, and looks well and truly back to his best.
Does Sadio Mané need the Liverpool fans?
Last season was the 29-year-old’s worst campaign at Liverpool by far.
Interestingly, it came during a season in which fans were not allowed to attend matches, due to COVID-19.
In that respect, it could be argued that Mané needs to feed off the atmosphere generated by the fans in order to hit his highest level.
That wouldn’t be out of the equation, not by any means.
Footballers often speak about supporters being the 12th man, and giving them a lift during games.
For Liverpool and Mané sake, Jürgen Klopp will be praying we aren’t put into another lockdown, as it could see his No.10 suffer yet again.
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